On 27 May 2026, starting at 17:00, a public forum was held in the premises of the Red Cross on the topic “Improving the social and educational inclusion of children with disabilities.” The forum was organized by the Association for Assistance to Persons with Autism “Children of Light,” in cooperation with its project partner, the Citizens’ Association “Duga,” with the aim of presenting the work of both organizations and advocating for amendments to regulations governing the status of teaching assistants.

The participants of the forum were: Nikolina Klepić (licensed psychologist and project coordinator), Olivera Davidović Knežić (MSc in Psychology and deputy project coordinator), Daniela Višnjić (legal advisor), and Saša Kasagić (president of the “Duga” Association).

The forum was supported by members of the “Duga” Association from Gradiška, parents of children with developmental disabilities, teaching assistants, as well as school staff, a preschool psychologist from the “Lepa Radić” institution, representatives of the Public Health Institution “Health Center,” representatives of the City Red Cross Organization, and councilors in the City Assembly.

A mother of a girl who attends classes with the support of an assistant, Biljana Latinović, shared her experience of her daughter’s inclusion in inclusive education. She stated that her daughter and the assistant cooperate very well and that the quality of this cooperation has led to visible progress in the child’s development. She emphasized that the assistant is much more than a “technical support.” She is aware that the assistant will not remain with her daughter throughout her entire schooling, which is a significant concern for her.

A teaching assistant, Marija Kasagić, said that she loves her job but that the working conditions are very poor. Her last salary was reduced by 150 BAM due to the spring break period. During the second semester, she received only one “full” salary.

Srđan Lakić stated that before the forum he was not aware of the conditions under which teaching assistants perform their highly responsible work, and that it is important for “ordinary people” to become familiar with this issue.

The conclusions of the public forum are as follows:

• It is necessary to continuously inform the wider public about the role of teaching assistants and the conditions under which they work. 
• Organized training for individuals who wish to work as teaching assistants is mandatory and should be provided by relevant institutions.
• Greater involvement of parents of children with developmental disabilities is needed in activities aimed at realizing their rights.
• Existing regulations must be amended, and the status and position of teaching assistants must be improved.

We would like to emphasize that free legal assistance is available within the support programme for parents of children and young people with developmental disabilities, provided by Daniela Višnjić, a legal professional with many years of experience. All interested parents can contact the number 051/961940 or send an email to djecasvjetlosti@gmail.com.

In addition, a petition is currently being signed to amend the Rulebook on Education and Upbringing, in the part relating to the status of teaching assistants, as well as the Rulebook on standards and norms for financing primary schools. Citizens are encouraged to sign the petition and thereby contribute to improving the quality of inclusive education.